Elmo puppeteer accused of underage relationship

FILE - This Jan. 24, 2011 photo shows "Sesame Street" muppet Elmo and puppeteer Kevin Clash poses for a portrait in the Fender Music Lodge during the 2011 Sundance Film Festival to promote the film "Being Elmo" in Park City, Utah. Clash has taken a leave of absence from the popular kids' show following allegations that he had a relationship with a 16-year-old boy. Sesame Workshop says Kevin Clash denies the charges, which were first made in June by the alleged partner, who by then was 23. In a statement issued Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, Sesame Workshop says its investigation found the allegation of underage conduct to be unsubstantiated. (AP Photo/Victoria Will, file)

NEW YORK (AP) — The puppeteer who performs as Elmo on “Sesame Street” is taking a leave of absence from the popular kids’ show following allegations that he had a relationship with a 16-year-old boy.

Sesame Workshop says puppeteer Kevin Clash denies the charges, which were first made in June by the alleged partner, who by then was 23.

In a statement issued Monday, Sesame Workshop said its investigation found the allegation of underage conduct to be unsubstantiated. But it said Clash exercised “poor judgment” and was disciplined for violating company policy regarding Internet usage. It offered no details.

At his request, Clash has been granted a leave of absence in order to “protect his reputation,” Sesame Workshop says. No duration for the leave was specified. Clash has voiced and animated Elmo since the 1980s.